As U.S. rice farmers bring in a new crop, rough rice prices have rallied a dollar since June. While U.S. prices vary, farmers rely heavily on consistent consumption at home each year. However, a new deal with China could create a surge in demand for U.S. rice, but hurdles still stand in the way.

Farmers frustrated with the bleak financial picture are facing more of the same this year with pressured prices. However, economists say after multiple years of declining cash flow, signs are modestly pointing up.

“It's probably better than we expected last year, but still nowhere near where we want it to be,” said Jackson Takach, an economist with Farmer Mac.

Strolling through shin-high soybeans, Ed Vitko has a refreshing view this summer. He planted 1,200 acres of dicamba-tolerant soybeans, and after spraying the new formulation of dicamba herbicide over the top of the soybeans this summer, he says the field is weed-free for the first time in years.

USDA sent shock waves through the commodity markets June 30, claiming U.S. farmers planted 89.5 million acres of soybean this year. While the number was unchanged from its March forecast, it’s still up 7% from last year. Despite the trade expecting USDA to move soybean acreage higher in its June report, an aerial view of farm country has revealed a major shift taking over American farm fields.

Why does the maker of popular foods like Frosted Flakes and Rice Krispies care about soil health? The company says it's all about a more sustainable future. Farmers and the Kellogg Company are partnering to ground-truth the benefits of conservation methods, such as cover crops.

“We seek to understand what are the areas of opportunity, what are the needs, and they vary,” said Diane Holdorf, Kellogg Company’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “What works on one acre, doesn’t work on another acre, much less state-to-state, crop-to-crop.”

When U.S. Farm Report visited Hartley Feeders in 2015, the picture wasn't as green. Sterling Profit Tracker showed in October 2015, feedyards were losing an average of $500 per head. Today, it's a complete 180 degree difference with Sterling Profit Tracker showing for the week ending May 12th, feedyards saw $536 per head gains. With more attractive prices, feedyards are packed with lighter carcass weights.